In a stunning display of cultural diplomacy, Princess Jenna Norodom, the 11-year-old Cambodian royal, recently enchanted Chinese audiences with her artistic talents. Appearing on the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV’s international cultural exchange program, The Beauty of Shared Arts, the young princess showcased an impressive array of Cambodian and Chinese songs and dances, adorned in a traditional Cambodian dress.
The performance was part of the celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia and the China-Cambodia Friendship Year. Princess Norodom’s appearance on the show was not just a showcase of her talents but also a gesture symbolizing the deepening friendship and cultural ties between the two countries.
Princess Norodom, who has already made a name for herself with her singing and dancing skills, expressed her appreciation for the bilateral friendship through her performances. “Wearing the traditional dress and singing songs is my way to signify the bond between China and Cambodia,” she explained, highlighting her personal connection to the cultural exchange.
The highlight of her performance was the Cambodian song “Angkor Path,” a tribute to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a symbol of Cambodia’s rich history but also a testament to the collaborative efforts in its restoration, with China having sent numerous experts to aid in the process. Princess Norodom dedicated this performance to the revered temple and expressed gratitude for China’s contribution to its preservation.
Further demonstrating her cultural versatility, Princess Norodom performed the Chinese song “Co-nourished by the Lancang-Mekong River,” accompanied by a Chinese children’s choir. She described the collaboration as a “heartwarming” and “wonderful” experience, hoping to perform with them again, possibly in Cambodia.
Additionally, Princess Norodom showcased her prowess in Khmer classical dance, teaching a few movements of the fairy dance, recognized as one of Cambodia’s intangible cultural heritages. She elegantly performed several classic dance steps, depicting the life cycle of a flower, symbolizing planting, withering, and rebirth.
The young princess also paid homage to her great grandfather, the late King Norodom Sihanouk, by performing “Nostalgia of China,” a song composed by him reflecting his affection for China. “Singing this song was a way for me to honor his legacy and convey the emotions he felt,” she noted. This performance underscored the longstanding and deep-rooted relationship between Cambodia and China, a bond that has been further strengthened by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Under the BRI, significant projects like the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone and the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway have created numerous jobs and boosted Cambodia’s economy, trade, investment, and tourism. Princess Norodom acknowledged the BRI’s positive impact on Cambodia, noting the increasing interest in learning the Chinese language among Cambodians.
Reflecting on her visits to China, Princess Norodom expressed her admiration for the country, its culture, and its people. Her enthusiasm for Chinese culture extends to learning the language, watching Chinese dramas and movies, and listening to Chinese music. She shared her aspiration to meet one of her favorite Chinese actresses, Zhao Lusi, and her fondness for the drama “Hidden Love.”
Princess Norodom’s engagements in China and her performances on the Chinese TV program represent more than just cultural exchange; they symbolize a growing bond between two nations with rich histories. Her presence on the Chinese stage, performing both Cambodian and Chinese art forms, is a vibrant illustration of the power of cultural diplomacy in bridging nations and peoples.
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